What is your THERAPY?

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I last wrote a blog on my site. Time truly flies. With the start of a new year, I thought it was the perfect moment to begin a new blog.

The year 2023 was a whirlwind, starting off poorly but transforming into everything I could have wished for in the last eight months. Recently, I authored a book about my life over the past 14 years, detailing my move to New York City and the challenges I faced during that time. If you're unfamiliar with my book, I'll include the link at the bottom of the page! Reflecting on the past years and writing my book, I wondered, "How on earth did I survive?" I was always someone who never asked for help, never paused to dwell on my experiences, and constantly pushed forward. Now, at 40, I realize that's not a healthy way to navigate life. As we enter 2024, I want to explore the concept of THERAPY. What is it? What is the best approach? Do you need it? In today's chaotic world, where times and life are tough, I genuinely believe everyone needs THERAPY. By that, I don't mean visiting a doctor to share your life story on their couch. I mean discovering your own form of THERAPY, something that works for you. A few years ago, I was in a terrible place, mainly due to a relationship that emotionally and mentally drained me, leading to depression. This was unsettling for me because, as I mentioned, I used to just brush things off and move on, but not this time. I became numb. Friends and family urged me to seek THERAPY, but stubborn Amanda insisted, "No, I'm fine." I remained miserable for months until I finally decided to give it a try. It was during the end of COVID, so my sessions were on Zoom. After a few sessions, the therapist said, "Amanda, you know what to do to get better; you have the tools. This isn't going to be helpful." Was a therapist really telling me this wouldn't work? I accepted it and moved on. A few months later, I bought a journal—a 90-day manifesting journal to maintain a healthy journey. I left the toxic relationship and started writing. Now, I'm no "writer," as you can see from this blog and others, which are likely grammatically incorrect and run-on sentences. But I found myself writing in that journal daily—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I kept writing, avoiding my phone, focusing on myself, and just writing. I loved it, enjoyed expressing everything by putting pen to paper. I promised myself improvement, aiming to read the entire journal after 90 days.

The 90 days passed, and I read the journal. I was not only appalled by how I allowed others to treat me but also by how long I tolerated it. At that moment, I realized things had to change, and I would never look back. I discovered then that writing was my THERAPY! This realization led me to write a book. I never imagined I would do something like that, yet there I was, writing my own book! The process was incredibly challenging yet very cathartic, serving as my THERAPY. For years, I lacked an outlet, keeping everything inside and hoping it would just disappear. I think we often wish for that outcome when faced with something bad or difficult. I'm sharing this so you can ask yourself, what is your THERAPY? What helps you feel better during stressful times? What prompts you to improve or eliminate negativity from your life? I was amazed that writing turned my life around so positively. I say this because I never thought writing would help me. When it comes to THERAPY, many people claim, “Oh, I don’t need it, I’m fine.” I used to say the same! I believe you should try everything and then decide what's best for you. Writing gave me a new perspective on life, a different light within me, and I was content with all aspects of my life. Once I felt that way, the universe seemed to reward me for all the inner work I had done. I landed an amazing position at a new firm to build future success and met the man of my dreams! I truly believe we must work on our inner selves and mental health for the universe to provide what we seek. It’s okay to ask for what you want in life; the universe will deliver, but you must put in the effort. You must appreciate what you have and, most importantly, be patient. I was never a patient person, especially living in New York City, where life is always fast-paced. I noticed that once I slowed down, started writing, and envisioned my future, it began to manifest. Again, THERAPY doesn’t have to be writing; perhaps you prefer seeing a doctor, going to the gym, practicing yoga, walking, or whatever brings you inner joy. We need this as humans; we need to smile inwardly. We must acknowledge that life is tough and have an outlet to release some of the pressure! I hope you all take a moment to reflect on this post. Let me know what your THERAPY is, and don't say you don't need it. ;)

MUCH LOVE

XOXOX

Footprints of a New York City Girl Available on Amazon

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